The Oregon Department of Energy today announced more than $1.5 million in federal funds for six energy efficiency projects in Oregon. These projects are funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).

Funding will be used to install new energy-efficient windows in the Jackson County Courthouse, highly-efficient lighting and controls for the Clackamas County Sunnybrook Services Center and other county buildings, and various HVAC projects for buildings owned by the State of Oregon.

The Recovery Act funds being awarded through the State Energy Program (SEP) can be used for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in public buildings. The U.S. Department of Energy administers the funds, approves the projects and reviews the state’s progress.

“These projects save energy, save money and provide jobs and economic benefits to Oregon,” said Mark Long, Director of the Oregon Department of Energy. “To date, 150 projects throughout the state have been selected for $10.5 million in SEP grant funds by the Oregon Department of Energy.”

The Jackson County Courthouse in Medford was built in the 1930s. All of the windows are steel-framed, single-paned which now will be replaced with energy efficient windows. The project had been too costly for the county due to the historical significance of the building and the extra cost entailed in maintaining its integrity. The SEP award will cover $627,981 of the $1.6 million cost. Jackson County estimates that the window retrofit project will save $11,800 in energy costs a year.

Clackamas County will receive $400,000 in SEP funds to pay for energy-efficient lighting in the Sunnybrook Services Center, and three other county buildings, in addition to insulation and window replacement in another county building.

The Oregon Department of Administrative Services will receive $500,000 for projects located at the Portland Crime Lab, Archives Building and other facilities in Salem. The funds will be used to make HVAC systems more energy efficient.

The Energy Department received over 1,100 letters of interest representing a request of over $2 billion in Recovery Act funding. The state will focus awards on projects that increase energy efficiency, use renewable energy, incorporate promising technologies, save energy, reduce energy costs and invest in local communities.

The public entities receiving SEP funds must spend the funds by March 31, 2012.